23 Encouraging Verses for Families of a Child with a Disability
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Becoming a parent brings along plenty of new emotions and experiences. When we learn that we’re expecting, naturally, we begin to envision what life may be like with and for our little bundle of joy. Whenever it is that your child is diagnosed with a disability, it can feel confusing, disheartening, or even earth-shattering. Intense caretaking, scheduling, and a variety of therapies may become part of your new normal. Parenthood takes on a brand-new set of challenges, but I hope a new set of joys, as well.
We can trust that God’s word speaks to our unique circumstances, fears, expectations, and heart. Our hope is that in Christ, we can find guidance, wisdom, and strength. Here are 23 verses that will encourage you as you navigate each day with a child who has a disability.
Photo Credit: GettyImages/TatianaDyuvbanovaGod Remains Faithful
Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Exodus 15:2
The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
God is with you and regardless of what your circumstances are, He remains faithful. He knows when you’re having your most tiring days, your most exhausting moments, or when you feel like you just don’t have the strength anymore. God is there even then and will carry you through, He will be the strength and help you need when you lean on Him.
God Will Comfort You
Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 119:76
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.
When you’re in the trenches, God will comfort you. He understands the stresses and the challenges you face. He notices you, the decisions you must make, the choices you must decide, and the weight that you carry. He knows the exact ways in which you need to be helped and comforted. Come to Him when you’re in need and He will give you rest.
Your Child Is a Miracle
Isaiah 64:8
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Psalm 139:13-14
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works and that my soul knows well.
Genesis 1:27
So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Every life is incredibly precious and God-breathed. Your child is nothing short of a miracle. Your child is worthy, beloved, and was made in God’s image. We are all works of God’s hands; masterpieces molded and shaped by our grand Creator. When you find yourself focusing on the obstacles, or the shortcomings, or what you and your child cannot do, remember that all God’s works are marvelous.
God Has a Purpose for Everyone
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 139:16
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Every human being has purpose, gifts and talents. Before your child was even conceived, God knew he or she was coming along and the plans and days were laid out for your child. What hope is found in the promise that God has such wonderful purpose for everyone. When the future of your child seems unknown, remember that God holds the plans and will see them through.
God Will Guide Your Steps
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 16:4
The LORD works out everything to its proper end.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
God directs your paths. He knows what you’ve been through and He knows what is ahead. He will put you on solid ground and guide you along, especially when the journey ahead is unfamiliar, or grim, or you’re having trouble seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. We can turn to His word for hope and begin to trust that He will work things out. God has good plans for you, as well, and will guide your steps.
God Hears You
Psalm 116:1
I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
1 Peter 3:12
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer.
Jeremiah 29:12-13
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
God hears you. The words you whisper, the prayers you say late at night, the cries or frustrations you let out. He hears it all. He doesn’t miss anything because He is with you and longs for you to call upon Him. He hears your praises, too, and He will rejoice with you when you reach a breakthrough or take a step forward.
God Will Give You Joy
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 94:19
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
God will fill you up with His goodness! Even when we face daily struggles, we can find power, peace and a lasting joy in the Lord. It’s OK to smile, to laugh, and to embrace moments of happiness. Be patient with yourself because God will give you what you need to get through your greatest anxiety, your deepest fears, and your biggest concerns. Pray, praise, and give thanks to the Lord. These practices of faith will allow God to give you back everything you pour out each day.
Every journey is unique, but God’s word has great wisdom and guidance to offer. It is there we can find the courage each day to keep moving forward because of His unconditional love and compassion toward us.
